Miami JetCar: 1 Water JetCar Rental | 1h

Thinking of adding a splash of adrenaline to your Miami trip? The Miami JetCar experience promises just that — a high-speed, amphibious ride that combines the thrill of a speedboat with the novelty of driving a water car. While the idea sounds exhilarating, what you’re really getting is a chance to cruise Miami’s waters in a small, two-person amphibious vehicle with hopes of scoring some memorable views and a fun adrenaline rush.

We’re drawn to this tour because of its unique concept—driving an amphibious vehicle at speeds reaching up to 65 mph — and the opportunity to see Miami Beach from a water-level perspective. It’s also attractive for its offbeat appeal and the chance to add a bit of youthful excitement to your Miami itinerary. However, a few red flags emerge from reviews hinting that there might be some organisational issues or even concerns about trustworthiness, so it’s worth approaching with a careful eye.

This experience looks well-suited for thrill-seekers who want to combine a watersports adventure with sightseeing. If you’re comfortable with a bit of uncertainty and are after an experience that’s more about fun than polished professionalism, this might be worth considering. But if reliability and straightforward customer service are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Speed & Thrill: Reach speeds of up to 65 mph in a water vehicle for an adrenaline rush.
• Views & Photos: Enjoy unique perspectives of Miami Beach and the surrounding waters; great for capturing on camera.
• Inclusive Setup: Includes a shuttle boat, Bluetooth speakers, and safety instructions from certified staff.
• Limited Group Size: Only up to 2 participants per vehicle, making it intimate but also potentially crowded if booking in peak times.
• Questionable Reliability: Reviews highlight significant concerns about the company’s trustworthiness and transparency.
• Good Value for Money? Considering the price of $390 for 1.5 hours, many may find the cost high relative to the mixed reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect From This Water JetCar Experience

Starting Point & Transportation:
The tour begins at Bayside Marketplace, a lively spot with a large yellow chair as the meeting point. You’ll check in at the marina and then hop onto a shuttle boat for a quick 10-minute cruise to the floating island where your adventure begins. This transfer is a pleasant way to start your water experience, offering some initial views of Miami’s skyline.

Safety & Instructions:
Once on the floating island, you’ll be briefed by instructors who are CPR certified. They will explain how to operate the jetcar, including controls for forward, reverse, and neutral. The controls are designed to be straightforward, so even if you’re a first-timer, you’ll likely feel comfortable after a short briefing. Safety protocols are emphasized, but remember, you’ll need a boating license if you want to drive yourself, or you can ride as a passenger.

The Ride & Exploration:
After the briefing, you’ll have your full 1-hour (or 1.5 hours total) to explore the waters in your 2-person vehicle. You can cruise around at high speed, enjoying the views of Miami Beach with the city stretched behind. You’re encouraged to bring music via Bluetooth speakers, and soft drinks are included, making it feel more like a floating party.

Photo & Relaxation:
The experience offers ample opportunity for photos in the car with Miami Beach in the background—perfect for sharing on social media. The ride is designed to be fun and lively, with the wind in your hair and the water splashing around.

Return & Aftermath:
At the end of your time, you’ll return to the floating island, then board the shuttle boat back to Bayside. The entire process is arranged to be seamless, from start to finish, but be aware that some reviews report delays or disorganization.

The Reality Check: The Good, The Bad, and The Question Marks

While the idea of zipping across Miami’s waters in a speedy amphibious vehicle sounds fantastic, the reviews speak volumes. One reviewer outright called the experience a “scam”, alleging that the company operates from an address that doesn’t seem legitimate, and that they were charged in cash unexpectedly. Another traveler described the experience as misleading, with unexpected extra charges and a long wait for the jetcar to arrive, which doesn’t seem to align with advertised timings.

Despite the appealing concept and included amenities like Bluetooth speakers and soft drinks, these reviews highlight significant trust issues. If you’re considering this tour, it’s wise to remember that some customers have reported difficulty reaching the company or obtaining refunds after disputes.

Price versus perceived value:
At $390 for two people, this isn’t a cheap thrill. For some, it might be a memorable adventure, but others might question whether the experience justifies the cost, especially given the mixed reviews on reliability and customer service. It’s worth noting that the experience does include parking and a shuttle boat, which adds convenience and value, but the overall experience’s quality and dependability might fluctuate.

Who it’s best for:
If you’re adventurous, open-minded, and looking for a unique story to tell, this could be an option. It’s ideal for young couples or friends seeking a high-speed water adventure, especially those who prioritize novelty over polish. Conversely, travelers who prefer trusted, well-reviewed operators may want to explore other Miami water tours, like sunset cruises or sightseeing boat rides, which tend to have more consistent reputations.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Start at Bayside Marketplace:
The tour kicks off with check-in at the well-known Bayside Marketplace, a lively hub for travelers. It’s a convenient meeting point with plenty of options for dining and shopping afterward.

Transfer to floating island:
A brief 10-minute boat ride transports you to the floating platform. This part is a pleasant breather and gives you a taste of the Miami skyline from the water.

Safety briefing & instructions:
Your instructors guide you through operation basics, emphasizing safety. This part is crucial, especially if you plan to drive yourself, as some guests are required to pass a safe boating test—a small hurdle for those without a boating license.

The jetcar ride:
Once underway, the real fun begins. You can reach high speeds, explore Miami’s bay area, and snap photos of the cityscape. The Bluetooth speakers allow you to play music, adding to the fun atmosphere.

End of ride & return:
After your allotted time, you’ll return to the floating island, then cruise back to Bayside. Expect a quick turnaround with perhaps some waiting, as some reviews suggest it’s not always perfectly timed.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This experience is a mix of thrill, novelty, and scenic views, wrapped into a short but intense water adventure. For value-conscious travelers, the high price tag might be a sticking point, especially since some reviews question the trustworthiness of the operator. That said, if you’re someone who values unique stories and adrenaline-pumping activities and are willing to take a chance on the logistics, it could add a memorable chapter to your Miami visit.

However, it’s critical to set realistic expectations. The mixed reviews about delays and trust concerns should prompt you to consider whether this is the right choice or if safer, more reliable alternatives in Miami might better suit your style.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Adventurers & thrill-seekers will likely appreciate the speed and fun of racing across Miami’s waters. Couples seeking a unique date idea may find it memorable, provided they’re comfortable with the potential uncertainties. Young travelers or those looking for an offbeat story will enjoy the novelty.

On the other hand, if your priority is dependability, excellent customer service, or value for money, you might want to explore other Miami water activities. For families with children under 6 or pregnant women, this tour isn’t suitable, and those with back problems or in wheelchairs should steer clear.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 are not allowed on this experience, and children must be accompanied by an adult if they are passengers.

Do I need a boating license to participate?
Yes, if you want to drive the jetcar, you’ll need a boating license or be prepared to pass a temporary safe boating test with a small fee of $10.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the water jetcar rental for two people, parking, shuttle boat cruise, Bluetooth speakers, and safety instructions from certified staff.

How long is the experience?
The total activity lasts about 1.5 hours, with approximately 1 hour of actual jetcar riding. It typically takes place in the afternoon.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, only up to 2 participants per vehicle are allowed, making it a very intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Bring ID or passport and your boating license if required. No mention is made of needing other gear, but wearing comfortable clothing is recommended.

Are refunds available?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case your plans change.

What are the main concerns?
Based on reviews, potential issues include trustworthiness of the operator, unexpected additional charges, and delays during the experience. Always double-check recent reviews before booking.

In the end, the Miami JetCar tour offers a high-energy, fun-filled water adventure that’s perfect for those chasing something different, but it’s not without its pitfalls. We’d recommend it with a cautious eye and a sense of humor about potential hiccups. When it’s good, it’s a memorable thrill; when it’s not, you might be wishing for a more predictable water excursion. Decide based on your appetite for adventure and your comfort with the unknown.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby